How fitting for James to close his letter out with the subject of prayer. After all, his readers were experiencing persecution for their faith which had led them to essentially give up hope; however, James’ words had reminded them to keep focused on God’s ways and to live out an example to those in their community. It would have been easy to quit and walk away from faith in Jesus Christ, but James challenged them to continue on and that God would provide strength for the journey. James lovingly asks “is anyone among you suffering?” He knew the answer to this question so he went ahead and gave them what they needed to do in response to their hardship: “Let him pray” (5:13). At the center of prayer is the recognition that a person needs God. Prayer is an act of humility where a person acknowledges complete dependence on God. James also poses the question, “Is anyone among you sick?” This question is not implying a physical infirmity, but a weakening under the pressure of persecution and trials. It could be read, “Is anyone tired, worn out, or ready to quit?” Those who answer “yes” should “call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him…and the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up” (5:14-15). Many were weakening under the pressure of persecution, but James commanded them to call for the leaders of the church to pray, support, and encourage them through prayer. When this is done, James promised that God would deliver them from their discouragement. If the person asking for prayer had known sin in their life, they should confess it first so the answer would not be hindered (5:15b). James then pointed to Elijah, the Old Testament prophet, who “prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit” (5:17-18). James reminded his readers that God answers prayer, especially those which are offered up fervently and by a righteous person (5:16). Regardless of what we are experiencing in our lives, God will give ear to those who faithfully pray from a pure heart and extend help to those in need. James closes with a few simple words regarding those who may have abandoned their faith during this time of trial: “if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins” (5:19-20). May we learn to stay focused when trials come our way and endeavor to live a life of faithfulness to God through the good times and the bad times.
Dear God, I pray that You would provide strength during times of trial and keep me focused on Your ability to give help and comfort in time of need.
